What Is Cadence-Based Fundraising?

Cadence-based fundraising is a strategic approach to donor engagement that has gained significant traction in the nonprofit sector. This method focuses on creating a consistent rhythm of interactions with donors and building regular and meaningful touchpoints throughout the year.

By implementing a consistent cadence, organizations can build stronger relationships with their supporters, increase donor retention, and ultimately drive more sustainable fundraising results.

Understanding cadence-based fundraising

At its core, cadence-based fundraising is about establishing a planned approach to donor communications and interactions. Rather than reaching out to donors sporadically or only when seeking contributions, this strategy emphasizes ongoing engagement through a variety of touchpoints.

Key elements of cadences:

1. Consistency: Regular, planned interactions form the backbone of this approach.
2. Personalization: Communications are tailored to donor preferences and giving history.
3. Variety: A mix of solicitation and non-solicitation touchpoints keeps engagement fresh.
4. Segmentation: Different donor groups receive customized cadences based on their characteristics.
5. Data-Driven: Decisions are informed by ongoing analysis of donor responses and behaviors.

The benefits of cadence-based fundraising

Implementing a cadence-based approach offers a number of advantages to nonprofit organizations:

1. Improved Donor Retention: Regular engagement helps maintain donor interest and loyalty.
2. Increased Lifetime Value: Consistent nurturing can lead to larger and more frequent gifts over time.
3. Better Resource Allocation: Planned cadences allow for more efficient use of staff time and resources.
4. Enhanced Donor Experience: Thoughtful, regular communications create a positive donor journey.
5. Predictable Revenue Streams: Consistent engagement can lead to more reliable donation patterns.
6. Complements Moves Management: When combined with moves management, fundraisers cultivate donor relationships and maximize fundraising potential.

Key ingredients of an effective cadence

While we recommend having multiple cadences set up for each segment of donors, a well-designed cadence typically includes a variety of touchpoints:

1. Thank You Messages: Prompt, personalized appreciation for donations.
2. Impact Reports: Regular updates on how donations are making a difference.
3. Newsletters: Periodic communications sharing organizational news and stories.
4. Surveys: Opportunities for donors to provide feedback and feel heard.
5. Event Invitations: Engagement through both virtual and in-person gatherings.
6. Personal Outreach: Phone calls, emails, or handwritten notes for a personal touch.
7. Solicitations: Thoughtfully timed asks aligned with the donor's giving history and preferences.

Implementing cadence-based fundraising

To successfully implement cadence-based fundraising, organizations should follow these steps:

1. Donor Segmentation

Begin by categorizing donors based on factors such as giving level, frequency, recency, and engagement preferences. Common donor segments might include:

• New donors
• Regular small-gift donors
• Mid-level donors
• Major donors
• Lapsed donors

2. Cadence Design

For each segment, create a customized cadence that outlines the frequency and types of touchpoints. For example:

• New donors might receive a welcome series followed by monthly updates.
• Major donors could have a more high-touch cadence with quarterly personal outreach.
• Lapsed donors might be put on a re-engagement cadence with more frequent touchpoints.

3. Content Creation

Keep your content calendar in mind as you build your cadence. If you know certain items, like impact reports or customer stories will be available, include those in your cadence. For example, you can include a mix of:

• Storytelling content that showcases impact
• Educational pieces about your cause
• Personalized updates and appreciation
• Timely and relevant solicitations

4. Technology Integration

Use a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) or donor engagement platform, like Momentum, to:

• Track all donor interactions
• Set reminders for personal outreach
• Monitor engagement metrics

5. Staff Training

Ensure your team understands the principles of cadence-based fundraising and how to:

• Use the CRM effectively
• Personalize communications within the cadence framework
• Respond to donor interactions promptly and appropriately

6. Continue to refine your cadences

Regularly analyze the performance of your cadences:

• Monitor engagement metrics (open rates, response rates, etc.)
• Track donation patterns in relation to touchpoints
• Gather feedback from donors
• Adjust cadences based on data and feedback

How AI can power cadence-based fundraising

Setting up cadence-based fundraising through your CRM can be incredibly challenging. Instead, consider leveraging an AI-powered platform to automate and manage cadences with ease.

Take a look at the table below to review the challenges associated with setting up cadence-based fundraising within a traditional CRM versus a donor engagement platform.

‍

‍

Advance your donor relationships with cadence-based fundraising

Cadence-based fundraising represents a shift from transactional to relational fundraising. By establishing a thoughtful, consistent rhythm of engagement, nonprofits can cultivate stronger donor relationships, improve retention rates, and create a more predictable and sustainable fundraising model.

While manual implementation requires careful planning and ongoing management, Momentum’s AI Donor Engagement platform allows fundraisers to set up, manage, and update Cadences with ease.

‍